CSK vs MI Review – Noor, Rachin steer CSK to winning start
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got the better of Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets in the third match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at Chepauk on Sunday, March 23.
Suryakumar Yadav-led Mumbai Indians were asked to bat first by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton- were dismissed by Khaleel Ahmed with the new ball while Ravichandran Ashwin sent Will Jacks packing as Mumbai lost three wickets inside the powerplay.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma resurrected the innings with a 51-run partnership off 36 deliveries. However, both of them failed to capitalise on their starts and lost their wickets to Noor Ahmad. The Afghanistan spinner also accounted for the wickets of Robin Minz and Naman Dhir in his spell of 4/18.
Deepak Chahar’s unbeaten 28 off 15 balls helped Mumbai finish on 155/9 after they were struggling at 128/8 at the end of the 18th over. Apart from Noor, who bagged a four-for, Khaleel also contributed with three wickets.
In reply, CSK lost Rahul Tripathi’s wicket in the second over. However, Gaikwad walked out to bat at No. 3 and played a blinder of an innings. His 53 off 26 balls derailed Mumbai’s spirits. Rachin Ravindra dropped anchor, especially after Gaikwad was dismissed by debutant Vignesh Puthur. The Kiwi batter saw Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, and Sam Curran throwing their wickets from the other end.
Ravindra Jadeja stitched a 36-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Rachin. The former was run out in the penultimate over with just four more runs left for a win. MS Dhoni came out to a rousing reception and blocked two deliveries from Naman Dhir before Rachin hit a six off Mitchell Santner to complete the win with five balls to spare.
Top performers of the match
Rachin Ravindra – 65* off 45 balls
While Gaikwad scored an enterprising half-century, Rachin’s calmness steered Chennai through a bit of a stutter through the middle overs. The southpaw, who usually likes to take the attack to the bowlers, showed a different side as he batted according to the situation. He hit two fours and four maximums in his unbeaten knock of 65 off 45 balls.
Noor Ahmad – 4/18 in four overs
Ahmad turned the game on its head with his four-over spell in the first innings. He took four crucial wickets, using the spin-friendly conditions to his advantage. Mumbai was in a strong position at 87/3 in the 11th over before the wily spinner started bamboozling the batters.
What’s next for the two teams?
Chennai will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home next Friday, March 28. Meanwhile, Mumbai will look to correct their flaws and come up with a better effort when they face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Saturday, March 29.
